Whining and Dining

Randi Rom

OK-so-my friend took a trip to DC and made reservations at the puppy-friendly Kimpton Hotel. When she arrived, they had a welcome sign with the names of her dogs along with a bowl of water and treats. Seriously-after hearing that-why would anyone want to stay anywhere OTHER than a Kimpton property? Love, love, love! KimptonHotels.com.

Kudos to Promotions Director Hal Martin at 101.9 lite fm. In honor of Veterans Day, 101.9 lite fm and Bellissimo Family Restaurant in Bel Air will honor the families of American servicemen and women who are deployed overseas. The lunch is scheduled for Saturday, November 6th at Bellissimo - 510 Market Place in Bel Air. This is a complimentary event; there is no cost whatsoever to attend. What a nice thank you. What a great idea. People in the food industry-pay it forward. Go to 1019litefm.radio.com to register.

A third Mari Luna restaurant is slated to open in the space formerly occupied by Spike and Charlie's across from the Meyerhoff. The original Mari Luna Mexican is at Seven Mile Lane and Reisterstown Road. It used to be Carvel Ice Cream-for those of you that are 100. Mari Luna Latin is on Reisterstown Road-across from the Pikes Theatre. Thanks to Miz Dara Bunjon for the scoop.

Another very cool idea from Chefs Expressions. Host a holiday themed culinary class for your employees. And-if you plan a holiday party with them, you could win a Wine and Chocolate Soiree for 15 people! Call 410-561-CHEF or go to ChefsExpressions.com.

October 31: Hampden Halloween! 5-8 pm. Shop to shop trick or treating - 50 participating stores. Costume contest--6:30-8 pm - in front of Ma Petite Shoe - 832 west 36th street. Awards granted to the scariest, prettiest, most original as well as the best couple/family or group costume. And-- since this is a candy holiday-do NOT miss the best chocolate in town at Ma Petite Shoe! Lake Champlain, Vosges (can you say bacon chocolate?), Cacao Lorenzo, Cafe-Tasse. TDF! For more info, go to MaPetiteShoe.com.

Rogers Farm Corn Maze and Fall Festival. Every weekend in October. Friday's 5pm-midnight, Sundays 1-8pm, Saturday's -10am-midnight. The maze IS NOT haunted during the day but after 8 pm on Friday and Saturday nights until Midnight it IS haunted! RogersFarm.com.

And don't forget-it's almost time for Miracle on 34th Street. For the three people in town that don't know what that is....an entire block of houses in Hampden -on 34th Street deck out their homes and the street with HUGE displays of lights, designs, art sculpture, trains-it's well-something ya gotta see. Make reservations at your fave restaurants. MY best picks are Grano-little or big-a Bolognese TDF! Golden West Café- - just all around tasty and non-pretentious. Paper Moon Diner-- menu so big that it reads like a Shakespearean novel. And-Rocket To Venus- good food, fun atmosphere-a neighborhood hangout. ChristmasStreet.com.